Bush/Blair's New Volume on Iraq

Bush: Iraq's new day

May. 21 - U.S. President hails the formation of a new Iraqi government as a new day for the millions who want to live in peace.

In a White House address to the American people, Bush said the development marks a fresh beginning in U.S. relations with Baghdad.

But the uphill task facing the Iraqi administration was underscored by a series of bomb blasts that left 19 dead.

Paul Chapman reports.

SOUNDBITE: U.S. President George W. Bush saying (English):
"The formation of a unity government in Iraq is a new day for the millions of Iraqis who want to live in freedom."


Bush seeks supporting role in Iraq

May 22 - President Bush, under pressure to show progress in Iraq, said the United States will increasingly play a supporting role as Baghdad's new unity government gains its footing.
But Bush offered no timetable for a U.S. withdrawal despite the new prime minister's vow that Iraqi forces would be in charge in most of the country by December and a British prediction that foreign troops may be out within four years.

Bush sought to assure his audience that despite some mistakes his administration was on the right track three years after a U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein.

FEATURED SPEAKER: U.S. President George W. Bush



Blair indicates Iraq leaving date

May 22 - British officials said they expect all foreign non-fighting troops to withdraw from Iraq within four years.

The announcement came as British Prime Minister Tony Blair visited Baghdad to show support to its new government. It was the firmest statement yet from one of the two main allies in the 2003 invasion to topple Saddam Hussein on a date for pulling out troops from Iraq.

Washington has said it is too soon to discuss such a timetable.

Sonia Legg reports.

SOUNDBITE: Tony Blair, Britain's Prime Minister, saying (English):
''We want to see what you want to see, which is Iraq and the Iraqi people able to take charge of their own destiny.''

SOUNDBITE: Tony Blair, Britain's Prime Minister, saying (English):
''For the first time, we have a government of national unity that crosses all boundaries and divides there is now no vestige of excuse for people to carry on with terrorism and bloodshed.''